Thank you for your comments. The thing I really like about making your own ropes is that you can get exactly the rope diameter you want by just using more or less threads to make the rope. I only used 1 diameter thread for all the different rope thicknesses you see. Makes it very easy to do. The ratlines you see only use 3 threads. The lower shrouds used 9, yet the main stay used 27. I also used all kinds of other counts.

How I make ropes........

I used the gears from here http://www.cornwallmodel...log/amati-ropewalk.html

but the wood for the kit to make it is useless as are the handles to turn it by hand and it will break in 1 day. Using their gears, this is how I modified it by buying my own nylon plastic stock and steel shafting. You'll also need to buy set screw collars to hold all of the shafts in place ( and some ingenuity). I use a cordless drill to run both sides. I can make a rope in about 5 minutes. Also, this type of ropewalk does NOT use a bobbin so it is very quick and easy to use.

You can use the original wood parts from the kit as a template to get the spacing correct for the gears (which is imperative) but other than that, the wood is useless.

How you design it is up to you. The operation however remains the same. I would however highly recommend using a drill to turn things because if you use the crank handles, you'd die of old age before you could finish the model!

I know the kit is expensive for basically for only using the plastic gears that come with the kit, but the wood parts do make a great template for making your plastic frame and the instructions do tell you how to make the ropes, and it can't hurt to support the guys that made the kit even if the kit itself is lacking in both speed and durability.

My total cost for the kit, the plastic, steel shafting, and set screw collars was about $75 USD.

..... Follow the rope making instruction that come with the kit.

Just thought I'd post a quick update. Just finished the Futtock Shrouds. Pretty happy with the results. Topmast Staves and Shrouds are next. Don't mind the camera distortion, in reality everything is very straight and even.

Hey Guys. I decided to post the first part of my build log if you are interested. There is a separate folder for some early build pictures, so you might find it interesting. Don't know if you are able to get the link to work, but if it does.... happy viewing.

https://www.dropbox.com/...rt%201%20HULL.docx?dl=0



There are also some early build pics here.....

https://www.dropbox.com/...nSHwtsLLekbdBJDmoa?dl=0

Its funny looking back on the log how much your thinking changes as you learn new things especially in my case because i never built a wood ship before.

Here's a small update.... although it wasn't a small amount of work by any means. Finished all the Topgallant shrouds and Ratlines. Probably took me around 24 man hours to do all of them. What made it tough was using all of the thicker ropes, plus the fact that I wanted to do the serving to keep everything as accurate as possible and get everything to lay properly. Also, tying the millions of knots on the ratlines was boredom at the torturous level. Have to do all of the Topgallant stays next.

Beautiful work John, this build is so neat
Steve

Stop it, John!

You're making me scared starting my own build!!!

I'll never be able to get even close to your mastery.



Mind you, that is not to say that I am not going to try it.



On second thoughts, go on, John. Do your worst (best)!!!!!!!!!!

I'm loving it!!!



Adrie.

You gotta give credit where credit is due, John.

For me it is all about taking the time and not to rush things. One of the things that I like about 3D modelling (whether it is in wood or in cardboard, like my build of the De Ruyter on this forum) is the fact that you constantly have to think and plan. How am I going to do this, what can I do to make it work, etcetera, etcetera. Looking at what others have done before me is certainly going to be a help there because, after all, two (or three, or four) minds are better than one!

But the crux will be the build inside my head and if I can turn theory (my plan) into practice.

Now that's a challenge!

I'm still waiting on the (re-)delivery on the first installment and just got an email that the second installment is on it's way too, so the starting line is getting closer and closer for me. Interesting times are ahead!

I can't wait!!!

But in the meantime I will be following your build too. Your 'turning theory into practice' is just too good to miss!!

Adrie

I finished installing the Anchors today. I rigged and lashed them as close as I could to the Movie Version. Making my own ropes really came in handy for this one. I had to make my own Pulleys for this as the Kit didn't have anything even remotely close. The Anchor project was 13 hours.

Don't worry I won't shoot the Anchors with the Cannons! It's just an optical illusion from the camera angle

Your rope is soooo effective, John . It makes everything look so much better!

A VERY good show, which I will keep watching with baited breath!



Adrie.